She couldn't find nice wood 2" thick so she had to glue and clamp pieces of 1" thick together.

The animals are really simple designs, but creative shapes as well.

Here are my favorites: hippo, polar bear, fox and pig.
The puzzle pieces fit together in really creative ways and are perfectly cut to fit tightly.
Luckily for us, my mom burned the outline in the bottom of the frame so we could figure out how to put them together.
She also "signed" the puzzles with the year which makes them even more sentimental.

The best part is stacking them in vertical puzzles.

I think I've been playing with it as much as the kids!

It's meant for the kids, but I plan to leave it on the coffee table year round.
It's a cool, unique, artistic puzzle that appeals to both kids and adults.

So another slam dunk gift from Grandma, and hopefully the pieces are so thick my kids won't ever break one!

It's easier to just dump the whole puzzle out. There are a few that were cut on a slight angle and it's easier to connect them from a certain side. But it's got easier to put together back in the case the more we've played with it. My four year old can do it by himself.

your mom is incredible (I know I say that all the time!) When did she start working with wood? I remember reading somewhere that if you can run a sewing machine, you can use a jigsaw. I'd love to make some wood toys, but I'm still a 'fraidy-cat.

She did a lot of wood working, mainly small crafty stuff growing up. Then she really didn't do much when we were teenagers and recently has got back into it kind of as I have as well. Last year I got a table saw for Christmas and she got one for her birthday, so it's been fun to learn new stuff together kind of. I think power tools in general are intimidating. I got into wood stuff starting with my husband and didn't even know how to operate a drill, then slowly got more confidence and have to do it pretty much all alone now due to his work schedule. So I'd say start with a drill, less dangerous than saws!

well, i guess it is in the genes,huh???This one makes me a bit envious since just as i was starting to think I might turn out some better looking pieces on my scroll saw, i experienced a thyroid storm and the ensuing challenges with my eyes. This makes me want to figure out how to install some magnifying apparatus worked out to be able to try tis again. Never be this fantastic though. WOW!!! you and your family just never fail to amaze.Happy New Year